CATS
Cats are amazing creatures. They can hear sounds that people can't, and they can see in the dark. They
sleep for most of the day, but when they are awake, they are very active. They can run fast and jump
very high. They are also very good at catching mice!
There are many different breeds of cat, but all cats have some things in common. They have a long tail,
a strong body and sharp teeth and claws. They walk on four legs, and their fur is soft and usually a
similar colour to their eyes.
Cats are not always friendly. Some cats like to be with people, and they like to be stroked and played
with. We call these cats 'pets'. Other cats don't like being with people, and they often live outside. We
call these cats 'stray' cats. Stray cats are often afraid of people, and they usually won't let you touch
them.
Cats are very intelligent. They can learn to do tricks, and they can even learn to use the toilet. Cats can
also understand some human words. If you talk to a cat, it will often move its ears or its tail. This means
that it is listening to you and that it understands what you are saying.
Cats are also very clean animals. They spend a lot of time washing themselves, and they hate getting
dirty. Cats are also very good at looking after themselves. Most cats can find their way home, even if
they are a long way away. They can also find food for themselves, even if there isn't much food around.
Cats are very important in human culture. In ancient Egypt, people worshipped a goddess with the head
of a lioness. Her name was Bastet, and she was the goddess of music and dancing. The Ancient
Egyptians loved cats, and they often had cats as pets. They believed that cats were lucky animals and
that they brought good luck to their owners. They also believed that cats had special powers, and that
they could see things that people couldn't.
Today, many people still believe that cats have special powers. Some people think that black cats are
unlucky, but other people think that they bring good luck. People often say that cats have nine lives
because they can sometimes survive accidents that would kill other animals. For example, in 2006, a cat
called Puss-Puss was hit by a car. The driver of the car stopped and got out to see if the cat was OK.
When he looked under the car, he saw that the cat was completely unhurt!
Questions:
1. What are some characteristics that all cats have in common?
A. They have long tails and sharp teeth.
B. They can hear sounds that people can't.
C. They can run fast and jump very high.
D. They are good at catching mice.
2. What do we call cats that like to be with people and can be stroked and played with?
A. Stray cats
B. Wild cats
C. Pet cats
D. Outdoor cats
3. What does it mean when a cat moves its ears or tail while you talk to it?
A. It is listening to you and understands what you are saying.
B. It is annoyed and wants you to stop talking.
C. It is scared and wants to run away.
D. It is hungry and wants food.
4. Why are cats considered clean animals?
A. They spend a lot of time washing themselves.
B. They hate getting dirty.
C. They can find their way home even if they are far away.
D. They can find food for themselves even when there isn't much around.
5. What did the Ancient Egyptians believe about cats?
A. Cats were lucky animals and brought good luck to their owners.
B. Cats had special powers and could see things that people couldn't.
C. Cats were worshipped as goddesses.
D. Cats were the goddesses of music and dancing.
6. What do some people believe about black cats?
A. They are unlucky.
B. They bring good luck.
C. They have special powers.
D. They have nine lives.
7. What happened to the cat named Puss-Puss in 2006?
A. It was hit by a car but was completely unhurt.
B. It survived an accident that would have killed other animals.
C. It was rescued by the driver of the car.
D. It brought good luck to the driver of the car.
